But this time there's a twist. In 2021 and 2022, the Lightning were the defending Stanley Cup champion; this time the Panthers are. Each time the two teams have faced each other, the winner of the series has gone on to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Sam Bennett had just been freed from the penalty box late in the second period Wednesday and broke for the net. It was the second time he was in the box in the frame, and the Florida Panthers lost their lead to the Tampa Bay Lightning the first time he was called for a penalty. He made up for it the second time around.